Paradise Subverted- José M. Loza MFA Thesis Exhibition
My work explores the shifting nature of memory, history and cultural myths that we inherit, challenge and reshape ourselves through. These works come together through the use of various mediums -printmaking, acrylic paint, sculpture, digital illustration and assemblage- to engage in various visual languages around the central theme of Paradise Subverted.
While assembling this body of work, I found myself often referring to my own experiences growing up as a Mexican-American in Southern California and the experience of crossing the border, both documented and undocumented. This consciousness was further elaborated through the exploration and absorption of literature from Octavio Paz and James Baldwin. Labyrinth of Solitude offered me insight into the psychological state of Mexican Identity and Baldwin’s writings shaped my understanding of what it means to exist outside the dominant caste hierarchy in this country. I also found inspiration in Graciela Iturbide's intuitive photographs, and the imbued meaning of objects from artists like Betty Saar and Daniel Lind Ramos.
Responding to these influences, many pieces in this exhibition explore the reciprocal relationships between ourselves and our environment. By challenging our environment with our actions and self reflection, we reclaim control over what hinders our growth and development. In my work I reinterpret real life experiences, drawing on cultural practices and mythology.
Transparent mesh from discarded window screens allow me to explore a sense of navigating multiple spaces at once- a reality for many immigrants.The mesh is a metaphor for various cultural and societal systems in which we all have to navigate. Cutting, bending, melting and painting the mesh allows me to feel a sense of control, make sense of things. Creating new scenes reminds me that social systems are also malleable and transformable. Incorporating found objects tethers the work to reality and the viewer completes the work to create a fictive illusion. The windows as apertures reveal new fields of view where there were none before. Light across these works reveal gestures in the shadows representing depth and space that is present but not always perceived and the infancy of memory shines through the playfulness of the children.
Together, this becomes a site of constant negotiation between past and present, individual and community, memory and forgetting. Paradise Subverted invites viewers to question the narratives they have inherited and the systems they regularly navigate, ultimately prompting reconsideration for what an idealized place in memory means within a world of constant transformation.
Please join me for the opening reception of my MFA thesis exhibition at California State University Long Beach.
Date: Sunday, November 10th, 2024 5pm to 8pm
Exhibition is Open: November 10th to November 14th
Gallery Hours: Monday– Thursday 12pm –5pm
Location:
The University's main street address is: 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, however, the easiest way to get to the School of Art is to use Google Maps/Waze and search for "Fine Arts 4" in Long Beach, the School of Art should pop up. Better yet, use this dropped PIN to get to parking LOT S1. I’ve also attached a map below.
The Gatov Gallery- West
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840